Hacker News Reader

Comment by Ironlikebike | Hacker News Reader

"Being too open could so easily backfire."

I'm in the market for a new leadership role and I have a very well established leadership model that I've honed over the years to build high performing organizations. I was considering publishing my leadership writings (that I share with my employees when I coach them) on my LinkedIn so prospective employers could see whether I'm a good fit for transforming their organizations.

One of my former employees cautioned me that my since my leadership model doesn't virtue signal that I might find it hurts me more than it helps my prospects. I'm not sure what to make of this.

View on HN

Perhaps you could collect candid feedback on your writings? Don't ask friends or close colleagues, instead search for those in your field whose opinions you respect (but may not agree with)? More broadly, perhaps find/form a community of individuals with similar interests (organizational leadership and change) and join them? In particular, seek out people with different backgrounds than yourself. I've found book authors on these subjects to be especially open to dialogue, if your opening letter connects your question to their work.

Recently had a Zoom call with a prospective enterprise software vendor, a small but very successful business. They trotted out quite a few senior people to make their pitch. In our internal chat room one of my colleagues noted the lack of diversity in their line-up as a red flag (those on the call were all white male boomers). Ironically, the company has a female founder/CEO. I’m not saying this comment led to anything one way or the other, but what you present to the outside industry will definitely be scrutinised along these lines by some.

One of the purposes of meetings (in person or remote) is to get a sense of the other group's values, and how they will treat the least of your staff. As a vendor, it's critically important to listen carefully and not interrupt. Conversely, I've rejected vendors when they've talked over one of my colleagues. I don't care how good the product is... if they are not going to be good collaborators.

Edit: This is related to the above comment -- a colleague may be summarizing an uncomfortable experience not in terms of behavior (a rude vendor that talked over them) but in terms of identity (white male).

How does this relate to the comment that you're replying to?

Reply on news.ycombinator.com